Genetically Altered Tree Farm, originally uploaded by papalars. I am currently writing a section of my dissertation on the spiritual disciplines. Someone mentioned to me the other day that everyone and their cousin are writing today about everyday spirituality. Yeah, I’ve made that observation too but I think many missContinue Reading
Happy Mother's Day. Always Bringing the Honey Home!, originally uploaded by papalars. I'm far away from my Mother this year, who just turned 80 in February. She will probably see this tomorrow on Mother's Day back in Seattle. So this is for her principally. Mother's day here in Spain wasContinue Reading
Hagia Sophia, originally uploaded by papalars. Syncretism: the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion. Leslie Newbigin made an important observation after returning from missionary service in India about his own cultural form of Christianity in England back in theContinue Reading
Flower, originally uploaded by papalars. One of the responses to this photo on my blog said this looks like a party, like the flowers are celebrating something. I found the comments fitting as well as suggestive. Nature once again comes to our aid in leading the song through life, theContinue Reading
Arabic Class, originally uploaded by papalars. This afternoon, I stopped by to visit my Arabic language teacher. Wow, what a wonderful time together. We went a step deeper in building our friendship and sharing our hearts, some jokes, but most of all our faith. You all should know, by theContinue Reading
A Local Church Pastor
“Through personal storytelling, biblical preaching, and literally getting us out of the church and into a mosque, Andy walked alongside our church with the question, “Compelled by God’s love, what does it mean to love our Muslim neighbor?” Wise, gentle, and prophetic, Andy doesn’t just talk about peacemaking–he lives it.”Website
Lay Church Leader
“Andy spent a weekend at our church recently speaking about his bridge building relationships with Muslims. This approach resonates in contrast with so much media attention to extremists. It was a new message for a lot of our members, but they seemed willing to listen and be open because of Andy’s gentle and non-threatening presence. Now we can discuss this topic more freely and see our Muslim neighbors in a new light, building friendships as God leads.”
Professor of Reconciliation Studies
“We recognize you as an agent of change for reconciliation and an influential community leader. We’d like to invite you to influence the next generation of community leaders here at Seattle Pacific University.”
Pastor
“Andy Larsen recently gave a presentation and engaged our congregation around the question, “Who is our neighbor?” His knowledge and experience as a bridge-builder and peacemaker was evident as he encouraged us to look outside our normal circles of friendships. Andy is well-suited for this ministry as he travels effortlessly between Muslim and Christian communities and invites us to do the same.”
Website